St Mary's School, Warwick eNewsletter

Principal's Message

Wow, the past 10 weeks has certainly flown by and I can’t believe we are moving towards our final term of 2025. For our Prep and Year 6 parents, I can imagine this is especially poignant for different reasons. Our Year 6 parents would be reflecting upon the past 7 years of primary schooling and the journey their child has gone upon and excitedly or nervously the new adventure into secondary schooling next year. Whereas, our Prep parents are probably thinking, first year nearly down, we have made it!!! Seriously, I am sure our Prep parents are also reflecting upon their child’s journey, especially in writing and reading. It always amazes me to see how far our Preps grow throughout the year and it makes my heart sing.

In Term 4 we will be welcoming Miss Zanthie Verrall to our staff as she takes upon Mrs Anita Wright’s role as she enjoys some well-deserved long service leave.

In preparation for 2026 part of my role is to decide upon staffing, budgeting and student compositions for classes. These decisions are always in collaboration with staff, the leadership team and my Senior Education Leader, Chris Golightly. When we make these decisions we reflect upon the current needs of the school, student dynamics, academic progress, social/emotional & behavioural needs and expertise of our staff.

Our staffing for 2026, at this stage, is as follows:

Principal: Emma Timmins

Assistant Principal: Mission & Identity: Sharon Young & 1 day teaching Religious Education

Middle Leader: Teaching & Learning: Jess Harper & 1 day teaching Academic Enrichment

Learning Support Teacher: Chrissy Byrne

Year 6: Andrea Lewis and Rebecca Fox

Year 5: Kathy Dearden and Kath King

Year 4: Michael Harper and Jack Grambauer

Year 3: Kate Box and TBA

Year 2: Kath Stevenson and Penny Doyle

Year 1: Tess Hamlin and Catriona Lawson

Prep: Amelia Walker and Kim Salter (nee Delisser)

Intervention Teacher: Rebecca Hopkins

Specialist Teachers: Anita Wright (3 days per week) & Jen McCray (2 days per week)

Teacher Librarian: Mrs Rhianna Ryan (2 days per week)

School Counsellor: Brett Armstrong (Mon, Tues, Wed)

Wellbeing Officers: Tracy Sullivan and Lisa Watt

School Officers: To be finalised

If you are wanting to place a request for your child’s education in 2026, please note that this request needs to be in writing and emailed to emma.timmins@twb.catholic.edu.au and must be based in educational reasons for this request. All requests are required to be in by Friday, 17^th October as we begin the process for class placements.

How are class placements determined?

I am sure this is a question that is asked each year and it is not an easy or simple process and takes weeks of discernment, planning and collaboration with staff.

Teachers – conduct process with students asking 3 people they work well with and 3 people they don’t work so well with.
Teachers – collaborate with their teaching partner and highlight needs of each child in relation to academics, behaviour, social/emotional and other factors that are applicable. This information is recorded in our database to build our classes.
Leadership team – review database information and add in other pertinent pieces of information (i.e. requests).
Leadership team – review and commence building of classes.
Leadership team – proposed classes are sent to teachers to review and provide feedback.
Leadership team – finalise classes (ensure there is a balance of boys/girls in each class; spread of academic needs; spread of behavioural needs; spread of social/emotional needs) and release in January 2026 to parents.

As mentioned, this is a complicated and lengthy process that needs due consideration to be given to ensure that the needs of both teachers and students are being met in a equitable manner.

Budgeting

The decisions I make in relation to budgeting each year is completed with integrity, financial acuity and collaboration with school accountant. The strategic vision of the school and current financial stressors for families is also at the forefront of the financial decisions that I make. Two important implications for families in 2026 are the booklist and term fee schedule. I am currently working on this right now and will release very soon after consultation with school accountant.

Furthermore, a major factor for 2026 and beyond is our master planning of the house and land purchases. I hope that by start of the year that the houses will either be demolished or removed, grass established, signage and fencing completed. This will enable students to have extended play areas; however, as a school community we must start to plan what we hope these areas will look like in the future to support the SMW community. As important stakeholders, parents have an opportunity to have a voice in what our Master Plan will be on Wednesday, 22^nd October at 6pm at the next Parent Engagement Forum. We would be very grateful if you could come and participate in this process.

As your voice is extremely important to us, you are invited to help us understand and reflect upon our current practices in relation to parent interviews, can you please complete the following survey? If you haven’t completed as of yet, it would be much appreciated if you follow the below link to share your thoughts -

https://forms.office.com/r/TaJPMbjJc8

God Bless

Emma Timmins

Principal

Religious Life of the School

October - Month of the Rosary

By tradition, the Catholic Church dedicates each month of the year to a certain devotion. The month of October is dedicated to the holy Rosary, one of the best known of all Catholic devotions. October includes the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary (October 7).

The Rosary draws its mysteries from the New Testament and is centered on the great events in the lives of Jesus and Mary. The Mysteries of the Rosary give us “thumbnails” of the life of Christ and his Mother.

The Joyful Mysteries are taken mostly from Saint Luke’s Gospel in the New Testament. They involve the joyful events of Jesus’ childhood.
The Luminous Mysteries bring a deeper understanding to the public life of Jesus. They fill in the blanks between the childhood of Jesus and His suffering and death on the cross.
The Sorrowful Mysteries remind us of how much Jesus loves us. They recall how He suffered and died just for us.
The Glorious Mysteries tell us what happened after Jesus died-His Resurrection, the descent of the Holy Spirit and the love Jesus had for his Mother.

In this month of October, let us consider this beautiful prayer of the Rosary as a means drawing closer to Jesus and Mary by meditating on the great mysteries.

Adapted from Praying the Rosary in October - Teaching Catholic Kids

Our Year Five students have made their own decade of the rosary so that they can use this prayer during their meditation time during October.

Real Talk - Relationships and Sexuality Education

Last week, we were fortunate to have 'Real Talk' present to our parents, staff and our Year 5 & 6 students. Their talk was based on the HPE curriculum and included the topics of:

Self-image
Healthy relationships and friendships
Making good choices
The importance of body language
The impact of the media, including social media
The physical and emotional changes of puberty.

Toowoomba Catholic Schools funds our subscription and you have free access to the basic parent subscription. To sign up please click - Real Talk Education for Parents – Real Talk Education enter your details, including school - St Mary's School, Warwick.

We would also love any feedback you have about the Real Talk sessions or sessions provided by class teachers (see last newsletter for outline). Please email sharon.young@twb.catholic.edu.au

Parish News

Baptism

Next term, Fr Franco and the Sacramental Team, will be running preparation for children and adults who may like to be baptised Catholic. If you would like your child or yourself to be baptised please contact the Parish Office or Sharon Young. More details will be available once we know if people are interested.

Parish Masses

This weekend Saturday night Mass reverts back to 6pm. Sundays continue to be 8:30am. There is also Children's Liturgy on Sundays during Mass time (not through school holidays).

Church Centenary Celebrations

Our Parish will celebrate 100 years of the beautiful new church next year, 16th March 2026. Fr Bony is looking for interested parishioners who could be recorded reflecting on their memories and the significance in their lives. Please advise the Parish Office, Fr Franco or Fr Bony if you are interested or know of someone who would be a good person to interview.

May peace be with you and a wonderful school holiday.

Sharon Young

Assistant Principal - Mission & Identity

“Three grand essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, something to love, and something to hope for."

Curriculum

Supporting Your Child’s Wellbeing Over the Holidays

What a busy ten weeks it has been; it's hard to believe how quickly the time has flown! As Term 3 wraps up, the school holidays offer a wonderful chance to slow down, reconnect, and enjoy time together. But with less structure, it’s easy for children to feel unsettled or overstimulated. The good news? Supporting your child’s emotional wellbeing doesn’t need to be expensive or complicated.

Here are 7 practical, cost-free ways to help your child feel calm, connected, and cared for during the break—plus some easy examples and prompts to keep their minds active and learning.

🕒 1. Keep a Gentle Routine

Children feel safer and more settled when they know what to expect. Even a loose daily rhythm can make a big difference.

Try this:

“Let’s have breakfast, then read a book together before we play outside.”
“After lunch, we’ll have some quiet time before we go to the park.”

Simple structure ideas:

Regular wake-up and bedtimes
Meal times at similar times each day
Daily activities like reading, walking, or creative play

📱 2. Limit Screen Time

Screens can be helpful, but too much can affect sleep, mood, and behaviour. Try setting clear boundaries and offering fun alternatives.

Prompt phrases:

“No screens until after lunch—let’s build a fort or go on a scavenger hunt first.”
“You’ve had your screen time for today. Want to help me cook dinner or play a board game?”

Alternatives to screens:

Nature walks, backyard games
Drawing, painting, or craft challenges
Reading competitions or storytelling

🤝 3. Encourage Social Connections

Kids need connection to feel emotionally well. Holidays can be lonely without regular school interactions.

Ideas to try:

“Let’s invite your cousin over for a playdate.”
“There’s a free event at the park—let’s go and see who’s there!”

Connection boosters:

Playdates with friends or neighbours
Community events or park visits
Video calls with distant family

🌳 4. Get Outside

Nature helps children reset emotionally and physically. It’s calming, creative, and completely free.

Outdoor prompts:

“Let’s go on a bug hunt—how many different insects can we find?”
“Can you make up a story about the trees we see on our walk?”

Outdoor ideas:

Scavenger hunts
Beach, bush trails, or playground visits
Simple games like hopscotch or hide-and-seek

🥗 5. Eat Well & Move Often

Healthy food and movement are key to emotional balance. Make it fun and family-friendly!

Fun phrases:

“Want to help me make fruit salad? You can be the taste tester!”
“Let’s have a dance party—you pick the songs!”

Activity ideas:

Cooking together
Dancing, yoga, or obstacle courses
Free movement cards (check online resources)

💆‍♀️ 6. Look After Yourself Too!

Children notice how we feel. When we take care of ourselves, we model healthy emotional habits.

Self-care phrases:

“I’m feeling a bit tired, so I’m going to sit quietly for 10 minutes.”
“Let’s both take a deep breath together—it helps me feel calm.”

Tips for parents:

Take short breaks for yourself
Practice breathing or stretching
Share your feelings in age-appropriate ways

💛 7. Be Patient and Present

Holidays can bring big emotions. Children may feel excited, restless, or overwhelmed. Your calm presence helps them feel safe.

Supportive phrases:

“I can see you’re feeling frustrated—that’s okay. Want to talk about it?”
“Let’s draw how you’re feeling today.”

Emotional support tips:

Listen without judgment
Validate their feelings
Offer creative outlets like drawing or storytelling
Leave space for rest and quiet time

📚 Keep Minds Active: Holiday Learning Prompts

While holidays are for rest, it’s also helpful to keep young minds gently engaged. Here are some simple ways to keep learning alive:

✏️ Reflect on Term 3

“What was something you learned this term that made you proud?”
“Can you draw or write about your favourite moment at school?”

📖 Practise Reading

Set a mini reading challenge: “Can you read 5 books over the holidays?”
Visit the local library or swap books with friends
Read aloud together—take turns being the storyteller!

🧠 Look Ahead to Term 4

“What are you excited to learn next term?”
“Is there something you’d like to get better at?”

🎲 Learning Through Play

Play games that build vocabulary, maths, or memory
Try puzzles, word searches, or scavenger hunts
Encourage storytelling through drawing or puppet play

🎁 Presence Over Presents

The most powerful gift you can give your child is your time and attention. A walk together, a shared meal, or a quiet cuddle can mean more than any toy. This holiday season, focus on being present. Your time, attention, and love are the greatest gifts you can give.

Wishing all our families a joyful, restful, and emotionally nourishing holiday break.

Ergon Energy Visit

Last Wednesday, students from Year 4 enjoyed an information and demonstrative session with Ergon Energy. The students were shown how workers maintain and supply electricity to our homes. A big thank you to all the Matt’s for an enjoyable session.

Wishing you all a wonderful fortnight!

Jess Harper
Middle Leader: Teaching and Learning

Positive School Culture

School Ball

We like to move it, move it!

What a spectacular time had by all at our School Ball last week! Students, staff and families danced the night away, with students showcasing their skills learnt in Dance lessons. We would like to thank Mrs Wright for her significant efforts in teaching and preparing our students for their Special Dances, and our classroom teachers for their work on the Traditional Dances. Special mention must also be made to our families for embracing the opportunity to dance with their child/ren. Another magical night at the St Mary's School Ball!

Over the past few weeks, we have had some exceptional mystery readers:

Imogen Leslie and her helpers entertained our students with the book, 'The Lorax'.
Kira McIvor shared the new library book, 'Don't Trust Cats'.
Jarod Knapp read the book, 'Crunch! Kaboom! Mighty Mining Machines'.

Our Kindy students love the opportunity to share books with favourite people and we are very grateful to these people sharing their time and talents.

Student Awards

	Exceptional Learning Award	Making Jesus Real Award
Prep B	Peyton B	Will T
Prep W	Prep W
1D	Janine H, Jahmari S	Jackson F, Cameron M
1H	Korbin C, Emilin T	Carter R, Charlotte C
2D	Ethan Y	Madelyn B
2S	Zoe C, Henry P	Baylee R Rose C
3L	Garret G, Jayden E	Oliver R, Aurora L
3T	Henry T, Huxley S	Oliver P, Billy N
4L	Ayva W, Emily L	Naomi L, McKenzie F
4K	Sebaga K	Marlee B
5F	Theo G, Matilda G	Flynn C, Maggie B
5D	Annabel H, Vincent C	Charlotte L, Demi S
6B	Grayson L	Emira P
6H	Mila M	Thomas C

Spotted Rising Up

Congratulations to all the students who have been 'Spotted Rising Up'. The prize winners were Cooper Van Twest and Aleia Gale, which was announced at Assembly on Friday, 19th September 2025.

Please celebrate with your child if they have brought home a Spotted Rising Up slip. It means that they were 'spotted' displaying one or more of the RISE UP positive behaviours.

Sport

Ball Games Competition

Once again, we hosted a fantastic Ball Games Competition for Warwick District Schools. Our students were highly competitive and we were very impressed by their high level of sportsmanship.

Throughout this past term, Mrs Ryan, Mr Grambauer and Mrs McGrath have been greatly impressed by our students’ support for one another. They’ve observed how our students have grown more confident in their skills and enhanced their ability to work as a cohesive team. Thank you to these staff members for coaching our teams.

Basketball Competition

Students in Years 4-6 have the opportunity to participate in an interschool basketball competition on Thursday afternoons. It will run for seven weeks starting in Week 2 next term. Permission will be given through Sentral once we have a few more details. There will be a maximum cost of $50 to cover costs. We are still waiting to hear more details and will confirm this early next term.

Swimming

Swimming will commence again in Term 4 for all students Prep-Year 6. This is covered by the School Fees Activity Levy. This swimming note has all the details, including dates and what to bring.

2025_Swimming_Parent_Letter.pdf

Administration

As we approach the school holidays, we want to extend our best wishes to all our students and staff. May this break be filled with joy, relaxation, and memorable moments. Stay safe, enjoy your time off, and we look forward to seeing you refreshed and ready for the new term!

Senior Shirt - 2026

📣 Reminder for Year 5 Families 📣
Don't forget to order your senior shirts!
A link has been sent home via the Parent Portal — please check your messages and place your order as soon as possible.

Thank you!

Containers for Change

Part of how Mrs Ryan funds our beautiful grounds is through the Containers for Change project. We now have our own code where you can contribute your containers cash to our school using the code - C11594114 at the Containers Recycling on McEvoy Street or you can now drop your 10c containers to school into our new green bins. Please support this great fundraiser for our Stewardship Portfolio.

Containers for Change for Schools.pdf

Parent Engagement Network (PEN)

As we draw to the end of term 3, we wish to say thank you to the parents that attended our PEN forum on Monday, 15 September 2025. The presentation by Real Talk provided a great deal of valuable information and we appreciate the attendance from our St Mary’s community.

We would like to invite all parents, grandparents, carers, and friends of St Mary’s to attend our Craft Connection Fundraiser on 10th October 2025! It will be a creative, fun way to relax and unwind while also supporting our school. Please see the flyer for more information and QR code for bookings.

Finally, we are so excited to announce that next term we will be running a Christmas Mega Draw with the major prize being 3 nights + a $700.00 voucher for accommodation at Reflections Coolangatta and a fuel voucher, plus many other amazing prizes. One ticket book per family will be sent home in the first week of term 4, with tickets being only $2.00 each! The raffle will be drawn at the Parent Engagement Network 2025 break up BBQ on Tuesday, 2 December 2025. We look forward to seeing everyone there!

Notices

2025 St Mary's OSHC SPRING.pdf

Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) Christmas Closure

OSHC will be closed from 18th December 2025 through to 5th January 2026.

Term 3 Week 10 2025